Treatments That A Specialist May Suggest
Various treatments have been tried for chronic prostatitis. They may benefit some people but so far there are few research studies to confirm whether they help in most cases. They are not ‘standard’ or routine treatments but a specialist may advise that you try one.
For chronic bacterial prostatitis, possible treatments may include the following:
- A longer course of antibiotics. If the specialist suspects that you have chronic bacterial prostatitis and your symptoms have not cleared after a four-week course of antibiotics, they may suggest a longer course. Sometimes a course of up to three months is used.
- Removal of the prostate may be considered if you have small stones in the prostate. It is not clear how much this may help but it has been suggested that these small stones may be a reason why some people have recurrent infections in chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, this is not commonly carried out and is not suitable in everyone. Your specialist will advise.
For chronic prostatitis/CPPS, possible treatments may include the following:
Warning Symptoms Of Prostatitis
Prostate cancer is one of the main concerns in older adult males.
The incidence of prostate problems increases as we age. But theres a prostate problem that appears in young and older patients.
Prostatitis can be widespread in adult males. It is actually more common in patients younger than 50 years old. But older patients with prostate problems may also develop prostatitis. For example, prostatitis can be a complication of a transrectal prostate biopsy.
Thats why males should know about prostatitis regardless of their age. In this article, we are going to review this prostate problem and its warning signs.
We are also giving you a few recommendations about what you can do if you have these symptoms.
What Is The Prognosis For Prostatitis Does It Increase The Risk Of Developing Prostate Cancer
Prostatitis caused by bacterial illness often can be treated with antibiotics, or the condition can be chronic that recurs and requires long-term medical attention.
- Acute bacterial prostatitis can often be treated very successfully and has a very good prognosis.
- Chronic prostatitis, and especially chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, can often lead to long-term symptoms and discomfort if treatment is unsuccessful. It is important to have close follow-up and continued care by either your primary care doctor or a urologist.
- Prostatitis does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Also Check: Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually
Symptoms Of Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, often Klebsiella or Escherichia bacteria from the colon. Bacterial infections should be treated promptly to avoid serious complications.
In addition to the common urinary symptoms, signs of bacterial prostatitis include:
- Fever
Your doctor may find your prostate is swollen and tender upon exam.
What Are The Causes
Tracking the cause of prostatitis can be a bit difficult, but it is often brought by a bacterial infection, inflammation from an injury, and nerve damage around the prostate. Stress, nerve irritation, injuries, or past urinary tract infections can also cause prostatitis or increase the chances of contracting it.
Recommended Reading: What Color Represents Prostate Cancer
Saw Palmetto Zinc And Vitamin D
Traditionally, the herb saw palmetto has been used for the treatment of prostatitis symptoms. Saw palmetto is high in beta-sitosterols and boron, both of which have been shown to improve urinary symptoms and urinary flow. Zinc has also been shown to aid in managing the symptoms of prostatitis as it has antibacterial and immune-modulatory functions in the body.
Vitamin D has also been shown to inhibit the activity of intra-prostatic growth factors and arrest prostate growth in BPH patients.
All men, but especially those over age 50, should know the signs and symptoms of prostatitis and be proactive in maintaining their prostate health.
How Is Prostatitis Diagnosed
If you suspect you have prostatitis, make an appointment with your doctor. Theyll need to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. For example, an enlarged prostate, cystitis, and some other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, including a prostate exam. Your prostate is located in front of your rectum. During a digital rectal exam, your doctor will feel your prostate and check for enlargement. In some cases, they may recommend a cystoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will insert a small scope through your urethra to look at your bladder and prostate gland.
Your doctor also needs to determine the type of prostatitis you have. They may order blood tests and urine analysis.
Recommended Reading: Can Prostatitis Heal On Its Own
Warning Signs Of Prostatitis
Prostatitis symptoms can be divided into three types. We have urinary symptoms, including difficulty to urinate and increased frequency. We also have pain symptoms, especially pelvic pain. And theres also fever and chills, which appear in some cases.
With that in mind, let us dive into the most common symptoms of prostatitis . Pay attention to each one of them, and if you suspect youre having two or more, be sure to talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms and what to do about them.
What Are The Complications Of Prostatitis
- abscess of the prostate gland,
- spreading of the infection to the blood stream , and rarely
- death.
Prostatitis can elevate the PSA level. There is no evidence that prostatitis leads to prostate cancer. If the acute inflammation/episode of prostatitis has resolved, the PSA level will usually return to baseline levels.
Also Check: Prostate Cancer Ruined My Marriage
Eating Diet And Nutrition
Researchers have not found that eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in causing or preventing prostatitis. During treatment of bacterial prostatitis, urologists may recommend increasing intake of liquids and avoiding or reducing intake of substances that irritate the bladder. Men should talk with a health care provider or dietitian about what diet is right for them.
Signs And Symptoms Of Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation or chronic infection of the prostate gland. Prostatitis is a different condition than an enlarged prostate, and unlike an enlarged prostate or BPH, it can affect men of all ages. Prostatitis can be caused by a fungus, a virus, an acute bacterial infection, and by mycoplasma infections. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of prostatitis below.
You May Like: Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually
How Is Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Managed Or Treated
Prostatitis treatments vary depending on the cause and type. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis doesnt require treatment.
For chronic pelvic pain syndrome , your healthcare provider may use a system called UPOINT to classify symptoms into six categories. Your provider uses multiple treatments at the same time to treat only the symptoms youre experiencing.
Approximately 80% of men with CPPS improve with the UPOINT system. The system focuses on these symptoms and treatments:
- Urinary: Medications, such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin , relax muscles around the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow.
- Psychosocial: Stress management can help. Some men benefit from counseling or medications for anxiety, depression and catastrophizing .
- Organ: Quercetin and bee pollen supplements may relieve a swollen, inflamed prostate gland.
- Infection:Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria.
- Neurologic: Prescription pain medicines, such as amitriptyline and gabapentin , relieve neurogenic pain. This pain can include fibromyalgia or pain that extends into the legs, arms or back.
- Tenderness: Pelvic floor physical therapy may include myofascial release . This therapy can reduce or eliminate muscle spasms.
What Are The Four Signs And Symptoms Of Prostatitis Quizlet
4.2/5painsymptoms
Similarly, you may ask, what are the four signs and symptoms of prostatitis select all that apply?
They can include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination.
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Urgent need to urinate.
- Blood in the urine.
- Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back.
Similarly, what causes prostatitis? Prostatitis can be caused by bacteria that leak into the prostate gland from the urinary tract and from direct extension or lymphatic spread from the rectum. It can also result from various sexually transmitted organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, or HIV.
In this regard, what is prostatitis quizlet?
Prostatitis. Inflammation and/or infection of the prostate gland, a group of diseases. -Acute Bacterial- E coli. least common type
Which category of prostatitis is not associated with discomfort and may not require treatment?
Men with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis do not have symptoms. A health care provider may diagnose asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis when testing for other urinary tract or reproductive tract disorders. This type of prostatitis does not cause complications and does not need treatment.
Recommended Reading: Female Equivalent Of Prostate
Who Is More Likely To Develop Prostatitis
The factors that affect a mans chances of developing prostatitis differ depending on the type.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Men with nerve damage in the lower urinary tract due to surgery or trauma may be more likely to develop chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Psychological stress may also increase a mans chances of developing the condition.
Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Men with lower UTIs may be more likely to develop bacterial prostatitis. UTIs that recur or are difficult to treat may lead to chronic bacterial prostatitis.
Why Is It Difficult To Diagnose Chronic Prostatitis
The range of complaints of a patient with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be unusually wide. They can be treated for years for heart pain, osteochondrosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, vegetative vascular dystonia, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
Since these diseases are treated by internists and neurologists, they may not pay attention to sexual dysfunction, and men are often embarrassed to talk about it. Because of this, patients are rarely referred to a urologist and for prostate examinations.
Often chronic prostatitis is accompanied by hemorrhoids, pelvic varicose veins, varicocele, sexually transmitted diseases, which makes the clinic even more sterile.
To complicate matters, the disease has a wavy course. Symptoms increase, then completely disappear. This is also the reason why patients seek help late.
Also Check: Do Girls Have Prostate Glands
Having To Urinate Often
The urinary bladder is located next to the prostate. In prostatitis, the gland becomes inflamed, and the same happens to the adjacent structures. The bladder becomes slightly inflamed, and this often causes urinary symptoms.
It feels similar to a urinary infection. Patients feel urinary urgency and the need to urinate often. The urine flow may also become compromised, especially in older patients. As a result, we have more urinary frequency but almost the same volume.
What Are The Types Of Prostatitis
Types of prostatitis include:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis : A UTI causes an infection in the prostate gland. Symptoms include fever and chills. You may experience painful and frequent urination or have trouble urinating. Acute bacterial prostatitis requires immediate medical treatment.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis : Bacteria become trapped in the prostate gland, causing recurrent UTIs that are difficult to treat.
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS : CPPS is the most common prostatitis type. Prostate gland inflammation occurs in approximately 1 out of 3 men. As the name implies, this type causes chronic pain in the pelvis, perineum and genitals.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis : This condition causes prostate gland inflammation but no symptoms. You may learn you have this condition after getting tests to find the cause of other problems. For example, a semen analysis for infertility may detect asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. This type doesnt need treatment.
You May Like: Does Enlarged Prostate Affect Ejaculation
Symptoms Of Chronic Prostatitis
This type of prostatitis is the most common and is caused by inflammation that can irritate nerves in the area of the prostate. It is sometimes called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, or CPPS.
In addition to common prostatitis symptoms, people who have CPPS may also experience:
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain in the penis, lower abdomen , lower back, or perineum
How Is Prostatitis Treated
Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome aims to decrease pain, discomfort, and inflammation. A wide range of symptoms exists and no single treatment works for every man. Although antibiotics will not help treat nonbacterial prostatitis, a urologist may prescribe them, at least initially, until the urologist can rule out a bacterial infection. A urologist may prescribe other medications:
- silodo
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsalso called NSAIDssuch as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
- glycosaminogly
- cans such as chondroitin sulfate
- muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine and clonazepam
- neuromodulators such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline , and pregabalin
Alternative treatments may include
- warm baths, called sitz baths
- local heat therapy with hot water bottles or heating pads
- physical therapy, such as
- Kegel exercisestightening and relaxing the muscles that hold urine in the bladder and hold the bladder in its proper position. Also called pelvic muscle exercises.
- myofascial releasepressing and stretching, sometimes with cooling and warming, of the muscles and soft tissues in the lower back, pelvic region, and upper legs. Also known as myofascial trigger point release.
Read Also: Does Enlarged Prostate Affect Ejaculation
What Tests Diagnose Prostatitis What Are Prostate
Prostatitis is usually diagnosed by analyzing a urine sample and undergoing an examination of your prostate gland by your health care practitioner. This examination involves a digital rectal examination to palpate the prostate gland and feel for abnormalities of the gland. Occasionally, the physician may also collect and test a sample of the prostatic fluid.
Sometimes a prostate massage is performed to compare samples of the prostatic fluid both before and after this intervention has been performed. To perform this procedure, the doctor will stroke/massage the prostate gland during the digital rectal examination. Because there is the concern that this procedure can release bacteria into the bloodstream, this test is contraindicated in cases of acute bacterial prostatitis.
Additional tests that may be obtained include a complete blood count , an electrolyte panel, blood cultures, a swab of urethral discharge if present, and sometimes a prostate-specific antigen level. The PSA test, which is used as a screening test for prostate cancer, may also be elevated with prostatitis.
Other tests that may also be obtained include urodynamic tests , ultrasound imaging, computed tomography imaging, cystoscopy, and a prostate biopsy.
If recurring episodes of urinary tract infections and prostatitis occur, see your doctor for a more detailed evaluation of your genitourinary system for anatomic abnormalities, which may make you more prone to infections.
When To Seek Medical Care
A person may have urinary symptoms unrelated to prostatitis that are caused by bladder problems, UTIs, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Symptoms of prostatitis also can signal more serious conditions, including prostate cancer.
Men with symptoms of prostatitis should see a health care provider.
Men with the following symptoms should seek immediate medical care:
- complete inability to urinate
- great discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen and urinary tract
Also Check: Is Zinc Good For Prostate
What Are Clinical Trials And Are They Right For You
Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you.
What Natural Or Home Remedies Relieve Pain Symptoms And Treat Prostatitis
In addition to medical treatment, natural home remedies for prostatitis include:
- Warm sitz baths
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.
- Prostate massage: In a few studies, prostate massage has been shown to decrease symptoms in some patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
- Lifestyle changes: If you cycle or ride horses, it is recommended to suspend this activity until you improve.
- Although there are many herbal preparations available, there is no current evidence that herbal remedies are definitely helpful with prostatitis.
- Acupuncture has shown a decrease in symptoms for some people who suffer from prostatitis.
Don’t Miss: How Effective Is Chemotherapy For Prostate Cancer
Prostate Health : What Is Prostatitis
May 19, 2020
Prostatitis is a urologic problem that involves the swelling and inflammation of the walnut-sized gland below the bladder known as the prostate. As the prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, this condition only afflicts men and is more commonly seen in males 50-years-old and younger.
There are two types of prostatitis: Chronic Prostatitisalso known as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromeand Acute Bacterial Prostatitis. Both conditions involve pain in the prostate and difficulty urinating, but they vary by cause, duration, and overall treatment.
How Are Bacterial Forms Of Prostatitis Managed Or Treated
Antibiotics can kill bacteria that cause bacterial types of prostatitis. Men with acute bacterial prostatitis may need 14 to 30 days of antibiotics, starting with IV antibiotics in the hospital. Rarely, men need surgery to drain an abscess on the prostate.
Treating chronic bacterial prostatitis is challenging. You may need up to three months of antibiotics to sterilize the prostate. If the prostate cant be sterilized, low-dose antibiotics can be used long term to prevent recurrences. Some men need surgery to remove prostate stones or scar tissue in the urethra. Rarely, surgeons remove part or all of the prostate gland .
Recommended Reading: Is Zinc Good For Prostate